Emphasising the need to preserve India’s cultural roots while embracing modern development, Tripura’s Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Tuesday inaugurated the three-day Alpana and Pithepuli Festival 2026 at Alpana Village in Lankamura. The festival will continue till January 15.Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, the minister said the state government is committed to reviving lost and fading traditions that form the foundation of Tripura’s cultural identity. Folk and rural songs, Baul music, Jatra, theatre and Kirtan, he said, are the soul of the state’s heritage, and greater involvement of the younger generation is essential for keeping these traditions alive.Describing the event as a “festival of soil and nature,” Nath said the people of Alpana Village have beautifully blended tradition with modernity, earning the village recognition beyond the state and even at the national and international levels. Quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said India must become digital, modern and smart, but never lose touch with its cultural roots and age-old traditions.Highlighting development priorities, the minister said women, farmers, youth and the poor remain at the centre of the government’s policies. He underlined the importance of agriculture, describing farmers as the backbone of society and the nation’s food providers. He also spoke about key central schemes such as PM-KISAN, PM-KUSUM and the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, aimed at ensuring the overall economic empowerment of farmers.Referring to Tripura’s progress, Nath said the number of self-help groups (SHGs) in the state has risen from 4,160 during the previous regime to 54,627 at present, with over five lakh members and more than 1.08 lakh “Lakhpati Didis.” He added that while the earlier government provided ₹4.26 crore as revolving fund loans to SHGs, the current government has extended ₹75.74 crore over the last seven years. He also noted improvements in infrastructure, electricity, drinking water supply and per capita income, while warning that drug abuse remains a serious social challenge, especially for the youth.Agartala Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder, former MLA Dr Dilip Das and several other dignitaries addressed the gathering. The welcome address was delivered by Amrit Debbarma, Assistant Director of the Information and Cultural Affairs Department.During the festival, Minister Nath distributed 21 varieties of traditionally prepared pithepuli from the Mohanpur Assembly constituency among visitors. Cultural programmes, including a rendition of Vande Mataram by Sanskar Bharati artistes, added to the festive spirit.The Alpana and Pithepuli Festival, being organised in Alpana Village since 2019, has emerged as a unique platform celebrating Tripura’s rich folk art, rural culture and traditional cuisine.
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